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Syrian regime’s military forces took control of villages in southern Syria, state media said on Saturday.

The Syrian army is supported by the Lebanese Shi’ite group Hezbollah in its campaign against rebels in southern Syria.

According to reports, the gains, made on Friday and Saturday, mark a new push in the regime’s military campaign.

According to the state news agency SANA, the village of Tal Al-Majda in Sweida province and Tal Antar in Deraa were taken. Both are near the Jordanian border.

The south is the last notable foothold of the mainstream, non-jihadist opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, who has consolidated control over much of western Syria after almost four years of civil war.

The offensive aims to shield the capital Damascus, a short drive to the north. The insurgents had made significant gains in the south in recent months, taking several military bases.